The Complete Guide to Italian Passport Services (2025)
This is a complete guide to Italian passport applications, renewals, and replacements. It includes the official 2025 requirements, fees, processing times, and office locations.
1. Introduction to Italian Passport Services
An Italian passport is one of the most powerful travel documents globally, offering visa-free access to 190+ countries. Whether you’re applying for your first passport, renewing an expired one, or dealing with an emergency, this guide provides official, up-to-date information straight from Italian government sources.
Why this matters:
Italian passports contain biometric chips since 2006
Processing times vary significantly by location
Strict photo requirements cause most application rejections
Children’s passports have different validity periods
Official Sources:
2. Passport Office Locations
Where to Apply in Italy
All applications must be submitted in person at:
✅ Questura (Police Headquarters) – Main passport offices
✅ Commissioner’s Offices – Smaller local branches
✅ Mobile Stations – For remote areas (by appointment)
Find Your Nearest Office:
Pro Tip: Urban offices (Milan, Rome) often have 3+ month wait times for appointments. Rural areas process faster.
3. Passport Application Process
A. New Passport Applications
Book an Appointment
Mandatory through the online portal
Wait times: 2-12 weeks depending on location
Complete the Application
Fill the form online or at the office
Requires SPID or CIE digital identity
Gather Documents (See Section 4)
Italian ID card
Birth certificate
Tax code (codice fiscale)
Passport photos
Attend Your Appointment
Fingerprinting and photo capture
Payment of fees
Receive Your Passport
Typically ready in 3-30 days
Collected in person or mailed to your home
B. Passport Renewals
Same process as new applications, but bring your expired passport. Renewals can be requested up to 1 year before expiration.
4. Required Documents Checklist
For Adults
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Carta d’Identità | Must be valid |
| Birth Certificate | Original or certified copy |
| Tax Code | Codice Fiscale card |
| Passport Photos | 2 identical, recent photos |
| Application Form | Completed and signed |
For Minors (Under 18)
Both parents must accompany child
Parental ID documents
Consent forms if one parent cannot attend
5. Fees & Processing Time (2024)
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Passport (10y) | €116 | 3-30 days |
| Child Passport (5y) | €73 | 3-30 days |
| Express Service | +€50 | 24-48h |
| Overseas Applications | Varies | 2-8 weeks |
Note: Fees are fixed nationwide. Processing depends on office workload.
6. Emergency Services
Lost/Stolen Passport in Italy
Report to Police – Get a denuncia
Request Emergency Document – Valid for return travel only
Apply for Replacement – Standard process
Urgent Travel Abroad
Contact your nearest:
Italian Embassy
Consulate General
7. Tracking & Contacts
Check Status Online:
Passport Status Portal
Helplines:
Italy: 803.116 (landline) / 06.452.114 (mobile)
Abroad: +39 06 3625 3435
8. FAQs
Q: Can I smile in my passport photo?
A: No – neutral expression only
Q: Is the passport card valid for travel?
A: Only within EU – book format required internationally
Q: Can I renew by mail?
A: Never – always in-person
Q: What if my name changed?
A: Bring marriage certificate/court order
How to get an Italian passport: step-by-step instructions with official document checklists, photo requirements & appointment booking tips.
This guide combines official government data with practical advice from Italian citizens who’ve recently completed the process. Always double-check requirements before applying.